Mogao Cave 3: Avalokitesvara Bodhisattvas

CHINA, Gansu, Dunhuang; Yuan dynasty

These Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva images are located on the side walls and exterior surfaces of the niche in the back (west) wall of the main chamber. The figures each wear a headdress and celestial garments, and stand barefoot on two lotus pedestals.
Outside the niche, the Bodhisattva on the left is in good condition while the one on the right has faded substantially. The left figure wears flowing garments that are tied with a cord at the waist. The Bodhisattva on the right wears a white robe, and a white nimbus surrounds the slightly inclined head.
The niche originally contained four standing Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva images, two on each side, however, one figure is now missing on the left. The remaining Bodhisattva on the left wears a yellow robe and the left hand forms a mudra. On the right side, the two Bodhisattvas wear floral headdresses, jeweled necklaces and robes with wide sleeves. Their faces are long and full. The Bodhisattva on the right wears a yellow robe and joins palms, while the figure on the left wears a white robe and forms a mudra with the left hand.